Hot Honey Chicken Bowl – Sweet Green Copycat

There’s something magical about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home. Not only do you save money, but you get to customize them exactly to your taste. Today, I’m thrilled to share my perfected copycat recipe of Sweet Green’s famous Hot Honey Chicken Bowl. This bowl has everything – tender chicken glazed with spicy-sweet honey, nutritious greens, hearty grains, and a medley of vibrant vegetables. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance!

I’ve spent countless hours testing and tweaking this recipe to get it just right. The combination of spicy heat from the hot honey and the coolness from the vegetables creates a harmony that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a Sweet Green regular looking to recreate your favorite bowl at home or simply someone who loves delicious, nutritious meals, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is more than just a meal – it’s an experience. Here’s why this recipe deserves a special place in your weekly rotation:

• Balanced Nutrition: Packed with protein, complex carbs, and plenty of vegetables, this bowl offers complete nutrition in one dish.
• Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Components can be prepared ahead of time for quick assembly throughout the week.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy the flavors of Sweet Green without leaving your kitchen.
• Budget-Friendly: Making this bowl at home costs a fraction of the restaurant price.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never disappoints. The vibrant colors, diverse textures, and bold flavors make it a dish that appeals to all senses.

Ingredients

For the Hot Honey Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 3 tablespoons hot honey (recipe below)

For the Homemade Hot Honey:

• ½ cup raw honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (I prefer Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 small red chili, sliced (optional for extra heat)

For the Bowl Base:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa (or grain of choice)
• 4 cups mixed greens (kale, arugula, spinach)
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup pickled red onions
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons toasted almonds, chopped

For the Lime-Cilantro Dressing:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have these essential tools:

• Large skillet or grill pan
• Small saucepan (for hot honey)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Mixing bowls (various sizes)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk (for dressing)
• Tongs (for handling chicken)
• Food thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Storage containers (if meal prepping)

Having the right equipment ready makes the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Hot Honey:

1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add the sliced chili if using.
3. Heat over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and let cool. The honey will become more infused as it sits.
5. Strain out the pepper flakes and chili if desired, or leave them in for extra heat.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about ¾ inch) to ensure even cooking.
2. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
3. Rub the chicken with olive oil, then season evenly with the spice mixture.
4. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
5. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. During the last minute of cooking, brush the chicken with 2 tablespoons of hot honey.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
8. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of hot honey over the sliced chicken.

Making the Lime-Cilantro Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
2. Add chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Whisk until well combined and emulsified.

Assembling the Bowls:

1. Divide the cooked quinoa among 4 bowls.
2. Top each bowl with mixed greens and shredded cabbage.
3. Arrange sliced hot honey chicken on top.
4. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado slices, pickled red onions, and crumbled feta.
5. Sprinkle with toasted almonds.
6. Drizzle with lime-cilantro dressing.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl isn’t just delicious – it’s nutritionally balanced too. Here’s a breakdown of what you’re getting in each serving:

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Time-Saving Tips and Variations

Make-Ahead Components:

One of the things I love about this recipe is how many elements can be prepared in advance:

• Quinoa: Cook in bulk and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Hot Honey: Can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Chicken: Cook and slice, then refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Dressing: Prepare up to 5 days ahead and store in the refrigerator.
• Vegetables: Chop and store in airtight containers for quick assembly.

Dietary Adaptations:

This recipe is highly adaptable to various dietary needs:

• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas.
• Vegan: Use agave or maple syrup instead of honey, omit feta, and use plant-based protein.
• Gluten-Free: Already gluten-free! Just ensure all store-bought ingredients are certified.
• Low-Carb: Swap quinoa for cauliflower rice or additional greens.
• Dairy-Free: Simply omit the feta cheese or replace with a dairy-free alternative.

Flavor Variations:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors:

• Mediterranean: Add olives, roasted red peppers, and use za’atar seasoning on the chicken.
• Asian-Inspired: Swap the hot honey for a sriracha-honey glaze and add edamame and water chestnuts.
• Mexican Twist: Season chicken with taco seasoning and add black beans, corn, and pico de gallo.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you’re meal prepping or have leftovers, here’s how to keep everything fresh:

Storage:

• Assembled Bowls: Best eaten within 3-4 days of preparation.
• Individual Components:
  • Cooked chicken: 3-4 days in refrigerator
  • Cooked quinoa: 5-7 days in refrigerator
  • Chopped vegetables: 3-5 days in refrigerator
  • Dressing: Up to 7 days in refrigerator

Reheating:

• Chicken: Microwave for 1-2 minutes, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.
• Quinoa: Microwave with a splash of water for 1 minute, stirring halfway.
• Full Bowl: I recommend storing the components separately and assembling just before eating for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing:

• Cooked chicken and quinoa can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Fresh components should not be frozen.

Common Recipe Questions

Q: Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This bowl works wonderfully with grilled shrimp, salmon, or even steak. For plant-based options, crispy tofu or tempeh make excellent substitutes.

Q: How spicy is this recipe?

As written, it has a medium heat level. The hot honey provides warmth rather than intense spiciness. You can easily adjust by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.

Q: What if I don’t like cilantro?

No problem! The cilantro in the dressing can be replaced with fresh basil, parsley, or mint for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

Q: Can I use store-bought hot honey instead of making my own?

Yes! There are several excellent hot honey brands available now. Mike’s Hot Honey is a popular choice that works perfectly in this recipe.

Q: Is quinoa necessary, or can I use another grain?

Feel free to substitute with any grain you prefer – brown rice, farro, barley, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option all work beautifully.

Q: How can I make this bowl lower in calories?

To reduce calories, use less oil in the dressing, decrease the amount of avocado and feta, and opt for a leaner cut of chicken like tenderloin.

Q: What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?

I recommend preparing all components separately and storing them in individual containers. Assemble fresh bowls each day, keeping wet ingredients separate from dry until ready to eat.

Serving Suggestions

The Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to create a more elaborate spread, here are some pairing suggestions:

Beverages:

• Sparkling Infused Water: Cucumber-lime or strawberry-basil infused sparkling water complements the flavors beautifully.
• Iced Green Tea: The slight bitterness balances the sweet-spicy chicken.
• Fresh Lemonade: The acidity cuts through the richness of the bowl.
• Cucumber Mint Smoothie: For a refreshing contrast to the spice.

Side Dishes:

• Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges: The sweetness pairs wonderfully with the hot honey.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: A perfect summer side.
• Simple Green Salad: If you want to add even more vegetables to your meal.
• Homemade Pita Chips: For some crunch on the side.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

After making this recipe countless times, I’ve discovered some secrets to elevate it from good to extraordinary:

1. Quality Honey Matters: Use raw, unfiltered honey for the best flavor in your hot honey.
2. Season in Layers: Season both the chicken and the quinoa separately for depth of flavor.
3. Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking ensures it stays juicy when sliced.
4. Massage Tough Greens: If using kale, massage it with a bit of olive oil and salt to tenderize.
5. Temperature Contrasts: The bowl is most delicious when you have a mix of warm and cool components.
6. Toast Your Almonds: This quick step adds significant flavor depth.
7. Pickle Your Own Onions: Quick-pickle red onions in vinegar for 30 minutes before adding to the bowl.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this Hot Honey Chicken Bowl lies in its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients:

• Sweet + Spicy: The hot honey chicken provides a foundation of complementary flavors.
• Creamy + Crunchy: Avocado and feta bring creaminess, while vegetables and nuts add necessary crunch.
• Warm + Cool: The contrast between warm chicken and quinoa against cool vegetables creates a satisfying eating experience.
• Acid Balance: The lime-cilantro dressing provides just enough acidity to cut through the richness.

This bowl is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. It’s colorful, nutrient-dense, and incredibly tasty – proving that wellness and indulgence can coexist beautifully on the same plate.

Quick Reference Cooking Times

*Note: Many steps can be done simultaneously, bringing the actual total time to about 45 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Creating this Sweet Green copycat Hot Honey Chicken Bowl at home has become one of my favorite cooking projects. There’s something deeply satisfying about recreating restaurant favorites in your own kitchen – not just for the cost savings, but for the ability to tweak and perfect the recipe to your exact preferences.

This bowl represents everything I love about modern healthy eating – it’s colorful, flavorful, nutritionally balanced, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week ahead or preparing a special dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this Hot Honey Chicken Bowl as much as I do. It’s become a staple in my household, requested regularly by friends and family alike. If you try it, I’d love to hear about your experience and any creative variations you discover along the way!

Happy cooking!